Can casing machine



pt. 3, 1935. L. w. HILLS ET AL CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23, 1933 13 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORB ze5//e 14/ H///5 BY Hera/41M 6/0/36 ATTORNEYS.

p 1935- L. w. HILLS El AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 25, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TTORNE YS.

Sept. 3, 1935- L. w. HILLS ET AL CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23, 1935 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 m mdl m INVENTORJ Z e502 M H/fls BY Hana/o 14/ (/00? ATTglEYS.

a Sept. 3, 1935. L, w HILLS ET AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 25, 1933 15 SheetsSheet 4 Fla-- ATTORNEYS.

P 3, 1935- L. w. l-uLLs ET AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23, 1933 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR3 [es/1e 14/ ffl/Ae' Harv/d 14/ 6/4/76 A TTORNE YS.

Sept. 3, 1935. L. w. HILLS ET AL CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 25, 1933 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 5 R S O K Y i W MW JAM 7 A M Y B II M I. H H TIH I p 3 L. w. HILLS Er'AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 25, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR5' [6.5/l6 14/ /7///.; Hora/o h/ 670/76 A TTORNE YS.

p 3, 1935- 1.. w; HILLS AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23, 1933 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 WWW! IF? I [E l INVENTORS [as/x: 14 /////5 f/am/d 14/ (70/76 ATTORNIEYS.

Sept. 3, 1935. 3 -L. w. HILLS ET AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23, 1933 13 Sheets-Shet 9 FLEI l7 A TTORNE YS.

p 1935- L. w. HIILLS ET AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23, 1933 13 Sheets-Sheet 1O INVENTOR5 Zasfie 14/ /////5 flora/0 14/ 670/16 I 125 F T IE; E ATTORNEYS-- Sept 1935- w. HILLS El AL 2,013,408

CAN CASING MACHINE F le 25, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet l1 PlIE EJ INVENTOR3 Z 2506 14/ /////5 flora/d M/ 6/0/76 jfMw Mv ATIORNEYS.

Sept. 3, 1935- L. w. HILLS ET AL CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan; 23, 1933 13 Sheets-Sheet l2 INVENTOR5 Zz5//e 14/ /-////5 BY f/a/v/a W 6/0/7? ATTORNEYS.

FLE EP:EI;

Sept. 3, 1935. w. HILLS ET AL CAN CASING MACHINE Filed Jan- 23, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet l3 ATTORNE YS.

Patented Sept. 3, 1935 ATEN FlCE CAN CASING MACHINE Application January 23, 1933, Serial No. 653,012

8 Claims.

layers of cans and for automatically placing juxtaposed tiers or layers of cans in a case or carton.

Another object of our invention is toprovide means for arranging a plurality of cans in a predetermined order to form a charge and for ejecting the charge of cans from the machine into a suitable case, leaving completely empty that portion of the machine where the charge of cans was formed.

A further object of my invention is to provide a can casing machine which is actuated upon the positioning of a case or carton in the machine to initiate the cycle of the machine during which the cans are arranged in order and are ejected from the machine into the carton or case.

Further objects and characteristics of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment of the invention has been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one form of casing machine constructed in accordance with our invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the casing'machine of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-section the plane of which is indicated by the line 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the short stroke driving mechanism of the machine of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a detail of a portion of the mechanism of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a detail in plan of a clutch mechanism incorporated in the structure of Figure 4.

Figure '7 is a side elevation to an enlarged scale of the timing commutators shown in Figure 1.

Figure 8 is an end elevation of the mechanism shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a wiring diagram for the electrical circuit of the machine shown in the preceding figure.

Figure 10 is a diagram of the timing commutators in their initial position.

Figure 11 is a View of the timing commutators in a position one step in advance of the position shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a diagram of the timing commutators one step in advance of the position shown in Figure 11. 5

Figure 13 is a diagram of the timing commutators one step in advance of the position shown in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a side elevation of a modified form of the can casing machine of our invention.

Figure 15 is a cross-section to an enlarged scale of the overlaid release mechanism shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a side elevation of the release mechanism shown in Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a front elevation of the form of machine shown in Figure 14.

Figure 18 is a cross-section the plane of which is indicated by the line I 8I8 of Figure 17 and disclosing the major portion of this machine in plan.

Figure 19 is a wiring diagram showing the circuit for the machine of Figure 14.

Figure 20 is a side elevation, partially in section, of the gate actuating mechanism of the machine in Figure 14.

Figure 21 is a cross-section the plane of which is indicated by the lines 2l2l of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a side elevation of the gate mechanism of the machine of Figure 14.

Figure 23 is a side elevation of a machine in most respects similar to the machine of Figure 14 but showing a modified form of long and short stroke mechanism.

In its preferred form, the can casing machine of our invention comprises a means for stacking cans in a plurality of juxtaposed rows, together with means for shifting the cans in the direction of their axes and a means for operating the shifting means once, or, alternatively, a plurality of times and then to a different extent each time, during the cycle of operation of the machine in order to eject the cans from the machine into a case and dispose the cans in a plurality of tiers in the case.

In the form of the' device disclosed in Figures 1 to 13 inclusive, there is disclosed a machine having a framework generally indicated 3|, made up of a plurality of structural members such as channels and angles. Preferably, the framework is made up of a pair of base channels 32 and a plurality of uprights such as 33. Spanning the uprights are longitudinal members 34. Extending laterally from the framework are additional supporting members 36 above which are located a plurality of runways 31, 38 and. 39 respectively, which are inclined and on which a plurality of cans rolls gravitally downward toward the framework of the machine. The downward progress of the cans is arrested adjacent a gate frame 42 by means of a plurality of gates as, M and 46 which in general are identical and are adapted for simultaneous operation. Each of the gates is pivoted as at d! to the gate frame i? and includes a transverse platform 48 which in moving into one position is so disposed as to cause a retrograde or backward movement of the cans. The gate platform in another extreme position is adapted to aline with its associated runway, such as 39, in order to permit continued progress of the cans.

In order suitably to actuate the gates 431, 44 and 46 simultaneously, I preferably join them by a common strip 49 which is pivoted to the respective gates as at El. The lowermost gate 46 is preferably joined by a rod pivoted at opposite ends to a cam arm 52. The cam arm 52 at one extremity is pivoted as at 53 to the framework 3! and at its opposite extremity is joined by a pivot 54 to the rod 5! Between its ends the :arm 52 carries a cam follower, such as a roller 56, adapted to co-operate with a cam disc 51 mounted on a cross shaft 58 extending from a speed reducer 59 mounted on the frame-work St. The cam 57 is generally circular in external contour, but at one region on its periphery is provided with a depression Bl which permits the roller 55 to drop and the arm 52 to oscillate about its pivot 53, pulling the rod 5| with it.

The descent of the rod 5| is effective through the common strip 49 to pivot each of the gates 43, 34 and 66 about its respective pivot point 4! and tolower the gates so as to provide a contin uous runway in alinement with the ways 31, 38 and 39. When, however, the disc 51 has rotated so that the depression SI is not in registry with the roller 55, the roller is lifted, thereby lifting the arm 52 and the rod 5| and raising the gate platforms 48 into the position shown in Figure 2 in which forward movement of the cans is prevented and a small backward movement is imparted. In alinement with the platforms 48 when they are in their lowermost position, are shelves 53, E i and 66 respectively, adapted to receive a plurality of cans.

In the operation of the machine, either the lowermost shelves 64 and 66 can be utilized, or all three of the shelves 63, 64 and 66 can be utilized, depending upon whether two rows or three superposed rows of cans are to be handled. Ihe shelves 63, 64 and 65 respectively are preferably arranged in the machine in association with a cylinder 61 generally of approximately rectangular configuration, which extends from the machine and is of such size as toreceive thereover a carton or case 68. A roller 65 on arms H affords an auxiliary support for the carton or case 58. Usually, the carton 68 is of such a depth as to receive more than a single tier of cans, and for that purpose we provide a mechnism for arranging the cans in the machine in a plurality of tiers; To this end there is provided a short stroke ram or plunger 12 which is in effect a skeleton frame having pusher bars 13 at its forward end and having a pivoted connection It at its rearward end to a pivoted arm 16 mounted as at E1 on a cross shaft carried by a bracket E3 depending from the framework 3|. The lower, forward portion of the ram 12 carries a suitable roller 19 which runs on the lowermost shelf 65, so that when the arm 16 is oscillated about its pivot T! the short stroke mechanism I2 is oscillated or reciprocated from its rearmost position, as shown in Figure 1, forwardly therefrom, carrying cans ahead of it and advancing the cans in an axial direction from a rearward position on the shelves 63, 64 and 66 to a forward position just ahead of the shelves with the upper layers resting on the lower layer.

In order to drive the short stroke mechanism 16 there is provided a driving assembly, generally designated 8l, which is effective when energized to operate for one complete cycle at a time. The arm 15 is pivoted as at 82 to a link 83 which at its other end is pivoted as at 84 to a crank 85 on a crank disc 81. The disc 81 is rotatably mounted by means of a shaft 88 and around its periphery is provided with gear teeth 89. In mesh with the gear 855 is a pinion ill on a shaft 92 which also carries a sprocket 93 engaged by a chain 9% extending to a similar sprocket 96. A shaft 91 carries the sprocket $5 and likewise carries a clutch mechanism 98 having one member 93 connected to the shaft ill and another member Hal carrying a sprocket Hi2 which is joined by a chain m3 to a sprocket I94 on a shaft 5%. Likewise carried by the shaft M36 is a sprocket fill engaged by a chain 598 extending to a sprocket it on a shaft l l l of a driving motor H2.

The clutch mechanism 98 preferably includes a movable arm 5 M adjacent a groove 5 it between the members 99 and HM and arranged so that the arm H4 can move axially between a position projecting into the groove I55 and a second position as shown in Figure 6 in an axial slot H! in the member 99. When the parts are in the position shown in Figure 6, with the arm H t in the recess ill, the members 98 and Hit are declutched and no power is transmitted from the motor M2 to the crank disc Si, but when the member H4 projects into the groove M6 the members 99 and 16! are clutched together and the crank disc 8'! is driven by the motor H2.

In order effectively to accomplish the clutch ing and declutching action desired for a single cycle of movement, We preferably provide a rock-- ing lever H8 which is pivoted as at H9 and has a relatively flat extension 32! adapted to be received in the groove H5. When the portion lZl is seated in the groove M5, the member 594 is kept out of the groove H5, and during the relative movement of these devices a beveled face 822 on the'member l2! co-operates with a beveled face J23 on the member 554, so that as these members meet and pass each other the member EM, is moved from any position in the groove H5 axially until it resides in the recess H1. Normally, the rocking lever or arm H8 is urged in such a direction by a coil spring l24 that the portion l2! tends to move out of the groove H6, but such movement cannot be effected until a latch mechanism is released. The member [2! carries a pin E25 adapted to interengage with a latch lever if? having a suitable notch 28 in its lowermost extremity and which is adapted to pivot about the shaft 529. The latch lever 12'! at its upper end is pivoted as at IM to a link 32 in turn pivoted as at 133 to the core 3 3 of a solenoid generally designated E35. A spring l3? normally retracts the core 35 from the solenoid 936 and maintains the latch lever 52'. in engagement with the pin H26 so that the spring 524 is ineffective to lift a portion 52! out of the groove H6. Upon energization of the solenoid 36, however, the core I32 is drawn thereinto and oscillates the latching lever I21, thereby releasing the pin lit and permitting the spring IE to lift the portion IZI of the clutching lever.

In addition to the foregoing mechanism effective upon the clutch lever E E8, we preferably terminate the lever at one end in a depending ear I38 which carries a cam follower in the form of a roller I39 adapted to co-operate with a cam MI mounted to rotate in conjunction with a cross shaft I 32. The shaft I52 carries a gear M3 which meshes with a pinion M l mounted on the shaft 92. The configuration of the cam Ml is such that it periodically engages the roller ISQ and lifts the roller so that the lever H8 is oscillated about its pivot point H9 and the portion 52! of the lever is forcibly depressed into the groove H5, thereby causing an interengagement of the inclined pivot I 22 with the inclined base 823 and insuring a positive declutching of the portions 99 and IEI of the clutch. In addition simply to insure a declutching action, the mechanism is positively stopped by means of a pin Hi5 carried by the portion I2! and abutted by a projection M5 extending upwardly from the clutch member 538, so that when the short stroke driving mechanism has completed a cycle the parts aredeclutched from the driving motor lit and are brought to a positive step in full cycle position. In addition to the cam i 'll on the shaft Hi2, we preferably provide an additional cam M! which is designed to engage a cam follower in the form of a roller M8 carried at one extremity of a lever I49 pivoted as at iei. The opposite extremity of the lever M9 is connected as at E52 to a rod !53, at its lower end pivoted to the common gate operating member 4%.

In the ope-ration of the short stroke mechanism the leading can on the lower shelf 93$, which has rolled into position from the runway 3'! in conjunction with other cans in the superposed shelves 5A and 63, contacts a switch arm I55 when the can has arrived in its predetermined position on the shelf 3, and through a switch mechanism iiil closes the circuit of the solenoid Ilifi. Such action releases the latch lever l2? and when, during the rotation of the shaft M2, the cam Mi releases the roller !39, the spring I24 oscillates the lever H8 so as to permit a clutching action between the members 99 and Isl, and, through the connecting motion transmitting mechanism, causes rotation of the crank disc 3?. Through the link 83 the arm E6 is thereby oscillated, causing a comparable reciprocation of the member T2. The translation of the member 52 is of suiiicient extent to move the cans axially forward and to permit the cans to rest stationary just forward of the shelves 63, 6G and E6. The ram '52 then reciprocates in the opposite direction and is returned to the position shown in Figure l, with the way clear betwee the rows of cans just advanced and the contacting bar '33 for a successive row of cans. When the short stroke mechanism returns to its full cycle position the cam MI contacts the roller I39 and causes the portion 525 to enter the groove H5, thereby effecting a declutch'mg of the members 99 and NH, and, since the foremost can on the shelf 56 has been advanced away from the switch arm E56, the circuit to the solenoid IE5 is open and the latch lever I27 springs into place under the urgency of the spring i3? and latches the clutch actuating portion IZl in declutching position.

When the gates 53, a l and 45 are lowered,

third tier.

therefore, and permit cans from the runway 31 to advance thereover into contact with the switch arm I55, the short stroke mechanism is put into operation for a single cycle and advances the cans forwardly in an axial direction on the shelves 63, 64 and 66, and as the short stroke mechanism approaches its full cycle position, not only is the motor power declutched and the short stroke mechanisl l returned to rest in the position shown in Figure l, but the cam I41 at the initiation of the operation of the short stroke mechanism has actuated the lever I69 to lift the rod I53 which similarly raises the gate operating member 59 so as to force backward succeeding cans on the runways 3T, 38 and 39. At the close of the single cycle of operation of the short stroke mechanism, however, the cam It? is again in such a position that the lever I49 is effective to lower the rod I53 and to lower the gate platform 48 so that successive cans on the runways 3?, 38 and 39 are permitted gravitally to roll across the gate platforms 43 in file and in superposed rows behind the cans just displaced by the short stroke mechanism and to arrange themselves on the shelves E3, 54 and 66 in axial alinement with the cans previously in the machine, to form a second tier. Depending upon the adjustment of the machine, the second tier so formed can be advanced by the short stroke mechanism by precisely the cycle of operation just described and will advance the initial tier still farther forward and make way for still a Usually, however, with one particular adjustment of the machine it is desirable to arrange four tiers of cans for ejection from the machine into the case 68. In this event we prefer that the short stroke mechanism, after having completed three cycles, remain inactive for the time being and that the fourth tier of cans, although in contact with the switch arm 56, be inefiective upon the clutching solenoid I36 for the short stroke mechanism, and that a long stroke mechanism come into operation in order to eject simultaneously, into the case 63, the four tiers of cans so arranged.

To this end we provide on the cylindrical extension 5? a forwardly projecting rod IGI which is adapted to be contacted by the bottom of a case placed over the extension 6'3 and which is adapted to be axially translated upon the case being shoved home. The rod IBI is effective upon a switch I52 in a switch box I53 to close a circuit to the main driving motor I5 3 of the long stroke mechanism, which motor is mounted on the framework 3i Preferably, the motor I54 is electric and is provided with a magnetic brake I56 so that the motor shaft is stopped almost instantly when the motor it l is de-energized. The motor shaft i6? carries a pinion 858 which mes es with a gear 569 forming part of the speed reducer 59. On the shaft 58 which extends from the speed reducer is mounted a crank I'll carrying a crank pin I72 on which is mounted a pitman H3. The pitman preferably incorporates a sleeve H4 surrounding a spring to afford a cushioned or resilient connection. The pitman I13 terminates in a connection Ill engaging a pin IFS on oscillating levers H2. The lower end of the levers no is journaled as at I8! on the frame 3i, while the upper end of the levers is pivoted as at 82 to links I83 joined as at 58 to the rear portion of a long stroke ram generally designated N36. The long stroke ram comprises a skeleton frame having side members I8? and runs at its rearward end on rollers I83 tracking in the channels 34 of the framework 3!. The forward end of the long stroke ram is supported by pairs of rollers 89 at opposite sides of the machine which engage the side members I817. The side members are joined transversely of the machine by strips it! which, when the long stroke mechanism is in its retracted position as shown in Figure 1, are substantially in vertical alinement with the strip E3 of the short stroke mechanism and are clear of the path of cans entering transversely of the machine from the runways 3f, 38 and 39.

When a carton or case is positioned over the horn or extension 6! of the machine, the rod I6! is translated and closes the switch 52 which releases the magnetic brake i6 5 and energizes the motor led. Through the speed reducer 59 the motor simultaneously rotates the cam M for raising, by means of the rod ti, the gate 48 to prevent further influx of cans into the machine by forcing backward cans on the runways 3?, 38 and 33, and likewise rotates the crank ill so that through the pitman N3 the oscillating lever H9 is moved toward the right in Figure 1 and the long stroke ram lat is translated forwardly of the machine, that is, in a direction axially of the cans. The strips sea contact the adjacent portion of the fourth tier of cans in the machine and advance the four tiers simultaneously through the horn 5i and into the case 68. Since the stroke is suificiently long that the strips i9! pass just beyond the end of the horn, the loaded case is positively ejected from the machine with a slight velocity. Following such ejection, the long stroke mechanism returns during its cyclic movement from an advanced position to a retraeted position as shown in Figure 1. As it approaches its full cycle or retracted position, the cam 5? permits the rod 5! to drop and lowers the gates 37, 38 and 39 so that additional cans run into the machine gravitally for a repetition of the cyclic operation, and at the same time the circuit to the motor 955 is broken and the brake use is applied. When the filled case 68 is ejected from the machine, the switch i 62 is released under the urgency of its associated spring, and the machine is ready to duplicate the operation just described.

In order to control the sequence of operations of the machine and to provide a means for having one or more cycles of the short stroke mechanism for each cycle of the long stroke mechanism, we preferably provide in the electrical circuit for controlling the solenoid I36 and the motor IE4, a pair of commutator discs 2M and 232, respectively, particularly illustrated in Figures '7 to 13. The commutator discs are preferably mounted for simultaneous rotation on the shaft T! which is mounted in the bracket 78. Preferably, the commutator discs are journaled on the shaft 1'! through the medium of a sleeve 203 which not only carries the commutator discs but also carries a ratchet wheel 204 having sixteen teeth around its periphery. On the lever i6 is mounted a pawl 206 which is pivoted as at 2B? and is urged into engagement with the ratchet 2% by means of a leaf spring 208, so that for each forward stroke of the short stroke mechanism the ratchet wheel 2% is advanced one tooth. Similarly, the ratchet wheel 2% is engaged by a pawl are mounted on a yoke 2H by means of a pivot pin H2, and urged into engagement with the ratchet by a leaf spring 2I3. The yoke 24 i ordinarily rests gravitally against a stop 2 i4 depending from the bracket 18, and is provided with an extension arm 2 l6 projecting into the rotary path of the crank pin H2.

During the initial portion of each cycle of the long stroke mechanism the rotation of the crank pin I12 causes it to engage the extension 2|6 and to advance the extension 2l6 about the pivotal mounting of the yoke 21 I on the shaft H. Continued advancement of the crank pin H2 causes the pin to ride under the end of the extension 2H5 and to release the yoke 2 which then drops gravitally and simultaneously causes the ad vancement of the ratchet wheel 2M- one tooth. It therefore occurs that for each cycle of the short stroke mechanism the ratchet wheel 20 is advanced one tooth, and for each cycle of operation of the long stroke mechanism the ratchet wheel 2% is advanced one tooth. Correspondingly, the commutator discs 2M and 262 are simultaneously advanced with the ratchet wheel 26 3. Each of the commutator discs is of insulating material and carries four octant segments 22! which are alternated on the periphery of the commutator discs with intermediate octant insulating portions 223. The commutator discs are arranged on the sleeve 263 with identical phase relationship and are adapted to be abutted by brushes 224%, 226, 22? and 223 respectively. Current for the circuit, including the commutator discs, is obtained from any suitable source 229, 239, and enters through a master switch 23! to the primary of a transformer 232. The secondary 233 of the transformer has one leg connected by a lead able switch 239 to a lead 24! joined to the coil 252 of a relay generally designated 253. The other end of the relay coil 242 is connected by a wire 2% to the secondary 233 of the trans- V 229, and the other side of which is connected by V a wire 25l to the coil 252 of the solenoid 136. The other side of the solenoid coil 252 is joined by a Wire 253 to the lead 239.

Also connected to the secondary 233 of the transformer is a wire 254'which terminates in a brush 255 adapted to contact with a drum 25'! at the extremity of the shaft 58. The drum includes an interrupted conducting ring 258 and an interposed insulating segment 259. Likewise contacting the drum 25? is a brush 25! joined by a wire 252 to the coil 263 of a relay generally designated 25 3. The other side of the coil 263 is joined by a lead 266 to the wire 244 and is thus connected to the other side of the secondary 233 of the transformer. The relay 264 includes a switch 25'! one side of which is joined by a wire 2% to the lead 249 extending to the power line 229, and the other side of which is joined by a g a coil 283 and a push button switch 284, in accordance with the usual practice for starting boxes. Also joined to the leads 28I and 282 after the switch 216, are lines 283 and 284 extending to the motor I I2.

In Figure 9, the brushes 256 and. 26I are paralleled by a pair of leads 286 and 281 respectively. The lead 286 extends from the wire 254 to one side of the switch I62, while the other side of the switch I62 is connected by the lead 281 to the wire 262.

As especially shown in Figures 10 to 13 inclusive, the commutating segments, when the machine is first started, are in the position indicated in Figure 10. When the switch 23! is closed and as soon as a line of cans has rolled into the lowermost shelf 66 and has closed the switch I56, current flows in the lead 231 to the brush 224. Since this brush is at least partially in contact with the conducting segment 22I which is common to commutating discs 26I and 222, current flows through the segment 225 to the adjacent crush 22?. Current then flows through the lead 266 to the brush 226 and through the associated conducting segment 22! to the brush 228 and then to the wire 2M and through the coil of the reiay 242 to complete the circuit in the secondary 233 of the transformer. The relay 263 being energized, the switch 268 is closed and the solenoid 252 is energized, thereby setting into operation the short stroke mechanism. When the short stroke mechanism has completed the initial portion of its advance, the cans have been removed from the switch I56 which opens and which then de-energizes the circuit of the relay 243 and de-energizes the solenoid I36, so that the short stroke mechanism makes but a single cycle. During this cycle of the short stroke mechanism, however, the ratchet 264 has been advanced one tooth, which advances the commutator discs 265 and 252 into the position illustrated especially in Figure 11. In this position, in the event that the switch 556 is closed by a successive tier of cans contacting the switch arm, the current flows as before into the brush 22 2 and into the common segment 22! of the discs 25H and 262 and thence through the brush 221 into the lead 266. The brush 226, however, in this position of the disc 2M is in contact with an insulating segment, so that the current can not pass at that point. If, however, a plurality of cycles of the short stroke mechanism are to be made for a singie operation of the long stroke mechanism, the switch 239 is placed manually in closed position and the current flows from the wire 238 through the switch 238 into the lead 2M and then completes the circuit through the relay 243 and energizes the solenoid coil 252 to afford an additional operation of the short stroke mechanism. If, however, the switch 239 is manually left in open position, current cannot flow into the lead 2M and the solenoid coil 252 is not energized and the short stroke mechanism does not function.

In the event that the switch 239 is in closed po- I sition and the short stroke mechanism makes a second cycle of operation, then the discs 26I and 262 are advanced into the position shown in Figme 12. If, however, the switch 236 is left open and the short stroke mechanism has made but a single cycle, then subsequently, when the switch 7 I62 is closed by the positioning of a case 58 on the horn or extension 51, current is taken from the secondary of the transformer through the lead 256 and the wire 26% and continues through the switch I62 and the wire 261 to the lead 262 which energizes the coil 263 of the relay 266, the return being made through wires 266 and 244 to the secondary 233 of the transformer. The relay 264 being energized, the switch 261 is closed and current from the line 229 follows the lead 268 and the switch 261 and flows through the wire 21! and the coil 212, thence back through the wire 216 and the wire 253 to the source lead The coil 212 then being energized, the switch is closed and the switches 219 and 218 theretofore having been closed for the operation of the machine, the brake I66 is released and the motor I64 is energized to produce a cycle of operation of the long stroke mechanism. During the rotation of the shaft 58 of the speed reducer, the drum 251 is rotated, so that even though the switch I62 may be opened during the cycle of long stroke operation, the conducting ring 258 will maintain the circuit closed through the brushes 256 and 26I until the machine has completed a full long stroke cycle, whereupon the non-conducting segment 259 breaks the circuit between the brushes 256 and 26I, and the switch I62 having theretofore been opened permits the coil 263 to become deenergized and to open the switch 261, thereby in turn opening the switch 213 to the motor I64 and the brake I66. During either a short stroke cycle or a full stroke cycle the ratchet 204 is advanced one tooth by the pawl 26S, and similarly moves the commutating discs 26I and 262 from the position shown in Figure 11 into the position shown in Figure 12 which is the position when a third tier of cans enters the machine. The switch I56 is again closed and current flows to the brush 226, thence through the segment 22% into the brush 221. The current then follows the conductor 246 and flows through the switch 239 in the event the switch is closed, and thence into the conductor 24I or, alternatively, the current flows from the segment 22I into the brush 228 and thence into the conductor 2M: This again causes an energization of the relay coil 262 and energizes the solenoid coil 252 to produce a stroke of the short stroke mechanism. At the conclusion of this third stroke of the short stroke mechanism. the parts are in the position. indicated in Figure 13. In this position of the parts, current flows upon the closure of the switch I56 by the fourth tier of cansinto the brush 225. which is adjacent a nonconducting sector 226, and thus the short stroke mechanism cannot operate. Upon closure of the switch I62, however, by the positioning of a case on the horn or extension 61, the motor I64 produces a cycle of the long stroke ejecting mechanism, during which stroke the ratchet 264 is advanced one tooth and the commutator discs 2M and 262 are returned from the position shown in Figure 13 to their original position as indicated in Figure 10. It thus occurs, by the use of the commutator discs as described, that the cycle of the machine can be arranged so that the short stroke mechanism operates through one cycle and the long stroke mechanism follows immediately thereafter with one cycle of operation. Such functioning of the machine produces two tiers of cans which are ejected into a case. Alternatively, if the switch 239 is placed in closed position, then the machine is efiective to produce three complete cycles in succession of the short stroke mechanism which are followed by one complete cycle of the long stroke mechanism, so that four tiers of cans are formed and are simultaneously ejected into a receiving case 68.

In Figures 14 to 22 inclusive there is disclosed a modified form 'of' thecan casing machine of our invention, in which but a single ram is used for both the short stroke cycle and the long stroke cycle. In this machine there is provided a framework 33! fabricated of suitable structural shapes and angles, which supports a tier-forming frame 332 incorporating a plurality of superposed shelves 333, 334 and 336. Each of these shelves isarranged horizontally and transversely of the machine and is disposed at the bottom of a can feeding line, generally designated 33?, which in the present instance incorporates a plurality of superposed runways 338, 339 and 3!!. The runways are inclined, and successive cans roll gravitally down the runways until their progress is interrupted by a gate mechanism generally designated (H2. The gate mechanism includes a plurality of ockers 3 3, each of which is identical to the other. Each rocker is pivoted intermediate its ends as at 3M and includes a cross rod 3l3 adapted in one position to extend into the path of cans rolling down the runway 38 and to prevent further advance of such cans. In the opposite extreme posi tion of the rockers M3, the rods 3H5 are disposed out of the path of the cans and permit the cans to pass thereover. Each rocker is likewise provided with a transverse stop bar 3!! adjacent its opposite end, which, when the opposite end is depressed, is raised sufiiciently to block further progress of the cans, but when the rocker is raised to its opposite extreme position is lowered to permit the cans to pass thereover. Preferably, the distance between the member 3 i and the rod 3E3 is equivalent in length tothe diameter of a plurality of successively arranged cans, in the present instance, three. The rockers 3!3 are all oscillated about their pivot points 3M simultaneously, and alternately block cans in the runways 333, 339 and 3!! and load the cans in successions of three on the superposed portions of the runways between the rod 3! 6 and the bars 3H. When the bars 3!! are lowered, the succession of three cans in each layer rolls onto the respective shelf 334, 335 or 333 and is positioned thereon in a relationship suitable for axial advancement.

In order to effect such advancement we provide a switch arm 32! which actuates a switch in" a housing 322, closing the circuit to an electric Imotor 323. The motor shaft 324 carries a pinion in mesh with a gear 321 on the shaft 328 of a speed reducer 323. Projecting from the speed reducer is a transverse shaft 33! which at one end carries a cam 332 of generally circular contour but having a depressed portion 333 which is substantially in uppermost position in the full cycle position of the mechanism. Adapted to ride on the cam 332 is a follower 334 journaled on an arm 336 pivoted as at 33! to the frame 33! of the machine. Connected to the arm 333 by a ball connection is a rod 338 which at its other end is connected by a ball connection 339 to a cross bar 34!. The cross bar 34! carries two depending studs 332 surrounded by coil springs 333' interposed between nuts 343 at the end of the studs 332 and between lips 346 projecting from a yoke 33? at its opposite end connected to similar actuating straps 348 pivoted as at 339 to each of the rockers3 3. The described mechanism is effective upon the initial operation of the electric motor 323 to rotate the cam 332 and to lift the roller 33!! and oscillate the arm 333. Such oscillation lifts the bar 34! and similarly lifts the yoke 33'! through the medium of the springs 333 and lifts the strap 348 to oscillate the rockers 3'i3'in order to lower the rods 3 l3 and permit the cans to run gravitally down the runway to the cross bars 3!!. Since the lowermost ends of the rockers 3! 3 are raised, any progression of cans from the runways 338, 339 and 3! onto the shelves 333, 334 and 333, is effectively prevented. In the event of any jamming of the rockers 3!3 from any cause whatsoever, the springs 3 33 yield and preclude any damage to the mechanism.

As the electric motor 323 is placed in operation, not only does the cam 332 operate, but likewise a crank 35! mounted on the extremity of the shaft 33! rotates in a clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 14. The crank 35! carries a crank pin 352 to which a pitman 353 is journaled. The pitman 353 is preferably divided into two separable portions 353 and 356 which are divided in an irregular fashion, as shown at 35'! in Figure 15. The portions 353 and 356 are both contained in a frame structure 333 in which a plunger 353 is reciprocable. The lower end of the plunger is tapered as at 33! and is adapted to be seated in a notch 332 in the member 353. The plunger 353 is likewise provided with a circumferential groove 333 in which oppositely urged balls 334 and 333 are situated. Coil springs 33? and 338 held by caps 339 and 37! in the casing 353 urge the balls into the groove 363. In the event of jamming of the mechanism due to a force which tends to draw the parts 356 and 35 apart, the plunger 353 is dis-. placed axially upward due to the cam action of the point 33! in the groove 332and despite the resistance of the balls 333 and 336, so that in the event of jamming no damage can be done to the contents of the machine or to the machine itself. Furthermore, we prefer that the upward movement of the plunger 359 be effective to open the electrical circuit to the motor 323, and for this purpose we install on the casing 353 a switch housing 312 enclosing a contact 3.!3 mounted on one arm 3M of a bell crank pivoted as at 373. The other arm 37'! of the bell crank extends into a transverse slot 333 of the upper portion of the plunger 359. Co-operating with the contact 3'53 is a contact 379 which is mounted on an arm 33! pivoted as at 382 and normally urged against a stop 383 and in abutment with the contact, 333 by a The portion 353 of thepitman is connected by a journal 388 to a shaft 333 mounted on rocker arms 39!. The lower ends of the'rocker arms are pivoted as at 392, and the upper; ends ofthe rocker armsare pivoted as at'393 to a link 333 in turn pivoted as at 336 to the framework 33? of a ram generally designated 3%. The ram includes side members 393 which, adjacent their forward ends, are carried in rollers 33!! mounted on the framework 33!, and the rain at its rearward end carries rollers 332 operating in channels 383 forming part of the framework The forward portion of the ram includes transverse strips 433 which are arranged sufiiciently above the shelves 333, 333 and 333 as to engage cans mounted thereon and to advance the cans in an axial direction toward the horn see or extension of the machine which is adapted to receive the case 4%. Preferably, a roller 238 serves as a convenient support for a case being positioned on the machine, and the rollers are preferably mounted on an extension are of the framework Bi l. Usually, the case 4%? for us: in conjunction with this machine incorporates at least one flap i l which, as the case is being positioned over the horn 485, is guided by a plate wise connected to the framework 353! I ejects them into the case till. to have a double tier of cans formed and sublZ into a channel M3 between the bifurcations of a hook Ms.

Projecting into the path of the fiap ll I and across the channel H3 is a bent arm 4516 which is mounted on the casing of a switch lll and which controls the energization of the electric motor 323. When the motor is energized, there fore, not only is the gate mechanism operated but the pitman 353 is likewise reciprocated. in addition to this operation, there is operated by means of a gear 453 on the shaft 335 an idler gear ll 9 which meshes with a gear 4% twice the diameter of the gear 558. a The gear 42! is mounted on a shaft s22 which likewise carries a cam 323. Engaging the cam is a roller 62 at the extremity of a link are, at one end mounted by means of a journal 42? on a cross pin 328 in levers 629. Each lever 629 at its lower end is pivotally mounted as at can on the frame i and at its other end carries the pivot 392 for the arm 395. Also supporting the link 325 is a lever is! pivoted as at 532 to the link and at its opposite end pivotally mounted as at on the frame 385. Acoil spring 33 is connected by a junction 36 to the shaft 523 and is like-- of the machine. The spring lse is of sumcient strength to maintain the roller 424 in contact with the cam 423. Due to the arrangement of the parts and to the fact that the shaft 2-22 makes one revolution for each two revolutions of the shaft 535, the pivotal-points 389 and 392 of the lever 3% during one rotation of the shaft 339 advance together and cause a full length or long stroke of the ram 38?, whereas for the successive rotation of the shaft 33! the pivots 339 and 352 move in opposite directions and cause a short stroke of the ram tel. By virtue of this construction, therefore, we have provided a means so that one rotation of the shaft 33! causes a short stroke of the ram 3%, depositing two tiers of cans in the horn, whereas the next successive rotation of the shaft 33! causes a relatively long stroke of the ram 39?, carrying with it two more tiers of cans, depositing all four tiers in the case and leaving the horn bereft of cans.

This arrangement of the mechanism provides for four tiers of cans to be formed on the shelves Silt, 3G4 and 3% prior to the long stroke which If it is desired scquently ejected, there is provided a hook 43? which is pivoted at 3-38 to the frame 3M and which is engageable with a stud 53% on the lever is: and which acts as a fulcrum for the lever. The pin its is so close to the pivot point as: as not to introduce any sensible error into the long stroke actuation of the ram sill.

In order to ensure that after closure of the .switch 322 the machine completes a cycle of with the drum are brushes M l, ist and M? which are held in place in brackets 3:28 by springs M9. As indicated in the wiringdiagram of Figure 19,

the circuit includes a source of power from which lines 451 and 452 extend. Interposed in lines is a master switch 553 leading to corn cluctors 454 and 456. The leads 45 and extend into a magnetically operated switch, generally designated 45'', which includes a switching member 458 connected by wires 45:; and 3555 to the motor 323 and its associated brake 325. The operating mechanism of the magnetic switch 557 includes a coil 462 connected into the secondary 663 of a transformer by leads 454 and @66. The primary 45'! of the transformer is joined by wires 458 and 469 to the wires 354 and 553 respectively. The wire 165 is joined by a lead 4'?! to the brush 346, and is connected by a wire 4'52 to the can-operated switch 322. From this switch a lead 413 extends to a manually controlled switch i'i l for effecting two different modes of operation of the machine, while the other side of the switch M4 is connected to the brush M! by a lead 436. A wire lla passes to the carton-actuated switch M? which is 1ikewise connected by a wire 419 to a lead 68! joined to the brush M6 and extending to the switch contact 3l9. The other contact 313 is connected by a wire 482 to the secondary 453 of the transformer.

When the machine is initially started, the twin rows of cans rolling down the runways 388, 389

and 3H are, effective to close the switch 322 through the medium of the arm 32 I, and when a carton is positioned over the horn or projection 406 the flap 4H2 of the carton contacts the arm 456 and closes the switch 4H. A circuit from the secondary 463 of the transformer is then traced through the conductor 454, the member 482, the wire 456, the lead 412, the switch 322, the lead 418, the switch M1, the lead 419, the wire 48!, the switch 319, and the lead 482, back to the secondary 453. This circuit being energized, the magnetically operated switch 458 is closed and the brake 325 is released while the motor 323 is energized. Ensuing, there is a full long stroke operation of the machine, inasmuch as the hook 432 is in engagement with the pin 439. Since the switch 322 is opened prior to completion of the cycle of operation of the machine, the current in the lead 455 can flow through the wire t'll to the brush 444 and through the conducting segment M2 to the brush M6 and thence back to the secondary of the transformer. At the conclusion of the full cycle of operation, however, the insulating segment 443 comes into position beneath the brush 446 as well as the brush 441, and at the conclusion of the cycle the circuit is interrupted and the switch 458 is opened. The parts are then in their original position and the cycle can be repeated indefinitely.

In the event it is desired to eject four tiers of cans into a carton or case, the hook 637 is removed from the pin 439 and the switch 414 is moved into closed position. Under these conditions, when the machine is started the double row of cans descending the runways 30'! comes into position and actuates the switch 322 by means of the member 32L Current then flows from the secondary 463 of the transformer from the lead 564, through the coil 462 to the lead 265, then through the wire 372 and through the switch 322 to the conductor 413. The flow is then through the switch 4M and the lead 476 to the brush 641. Since the conducting sector 442 is in contact with the brushes 44? and 446, current flows to the brush 446 and thence through the 

